Gorham proposes ban on new fraternities

GORHAM, Maine — A town that’s home to a University of Southern Maine campus is proposing to ban new fraternity houses after officials seized one last month, saying it owed more than $27,000 in property taxes and has serious code violations.

The Phi Kappa Sigma house in Gorham was seized in June. The 140 violations range from a chair blocking a doorway to sewage in the basement.

The Portland Press Herald reports the town council voted 6-1 earlier this month to look into banning future fraternities and sororities by eliminating them as a permitted use under the zoning ordinance. The planning board will consider the proposal next month.

A university spokesman says the school plans to meet with town officials to develop the proposals and wants to remain a good neighbor.